Close control  means to be able to have the ball under tight control, and very close to the body or feet ( within 1/2 m). Close control is important part of football and most players on the field should know close control skill.

A player should always be looking for improving dribbling skills, to be able to create space, keep possession, and beat defenders.

Close control generally refers to running with the ball, and dribbling skills, but it can also include the first touch, and control with different parts of the foot, thigh, chest and head. Close control is a vital part of football coaching.

Improving close control needs good  turning ability. The ball can be turned quickly in either direction using the inside and outside of either foot. To have better control over the ball, best is to crouch slightly so that your centre of gravity is low for better balance, and make feet movements more relaxed.

Foot control skills, include the first touch and close control using the inside, outside, top and bottom of the foot. A good first touch gives the  player time and space in which to work with the ball or find the best pass. Players who do not have good first touches or  let the ball run away from them are putting themselves under pressure, because they allow time for opponents to close them down, or even lose the ball completely.

Players should move to the ball, not wait for it to come to them, get into position early, and watch the ball carefully.

The inside of the foot is the safest technique for receiving the ball, and shown in the photograph. It is a safe method that allows the ball to be taken on the move, whereas taking  the ball with the sole (underneath) of the foot involves stopping the ball dead. Receiving the ball with the top of the foot and outside of the foot are more difficult skills, but the principles of relaxing and withdrawing the foot on impact are the same.

Thigh control is used when the ball comes at awkward height of groin area. This technique requires practise, good judgement and concentration.

The thigh is used to cushion the ball. On impact with the ball the thigh is moved back to provide the cushion effect.

It's also possible to deflect the ball by moving the thigh and glancing the ball to the side that you want. Only a small contact  is usually necessary to guide the ball.

The thigh can be used for close control;

The thigh can be used to knock the ball up for a volley.

This skill is often required to bring the ball under control from awkward heights as soon as possible. Chest control can be used to

Pass the ball,

Drop the ball to feet,

To deflect the football through all angles, sides or even behind.

When using chest control, best is to use the whole of the chest to the ball, rather than attempting to take the ball sideways on. The ball can be deflected to the side by turning the upper body on contact. When passing the ball, the chest is kept rigid, but to stop the ball, the upper body should be relaxed, and the legs are used to drop the chest on impact like dropping a platform.

When the ball is bouncing upwards from the ground, the best method is to get over the ball, and deflect it into the ground. If the ball is arriving on the full, point the chest upwards at an angle to the ball. The 180 degree turn is achieved by deflecting the ball behind, and ducking underneath the ball as it passes.

If you try to head the ball downward it is very hard to control. Once you have cushion the ball gravity will come into operation and drop to the ground.